Starting a podcast has become easier than ever. Read on to learn about these basic yet essential things to get started with your podcasting journey.
Thinking of joining the podcasting bandwagon to leverage its benefits?
Wondering how to get started with your very first episode?
Congratulations! You have landed at the right place!
Read on to learn essential tips and tricks and get started with your podcasting journey.
Why does podcasting work as a content platform?
It is no secret that podcasts are becoming a sought-after content platform, booming with new listeners daily.
The audio platform makes it easy to consume content on the go. You don’t have to stare at your screen as you do on other social media apps or wait for the live sessions to air. Podcast hosting platforms have made it easy to store large amounts of audio content in one place.
Moreover, the podcast industry has seen some brilliant content being shared by renowned experts. Whether it is The Seen and The Unseen hosted by the brilliant writer and journalist Amit Varma or The Joe Rogan Experience hosted by former UFC announcer and American stand-up comedian Joe Rogan, listeners get to consume high-quality content while juggling multiple tasks.
Another reason why podcasts work as a content platform is because of the consistency on all devices in terms of content parameters. Unlike visual content, it doesn’t change in its proportions or quality on different devices. Whether you listen to a podcast on the phone or on a tablet, you will listen to the same audio with impeccable sound quality.
What equipment do you need to start a podcast?
While you can record a podcast straight from your phone, having a few good equipments will help you to get a high-quality recording experience plus reduce your editing time. Depending on your budget, you can start with a basic setup and then upgrade with more additions.
As a beginner, you can start with a laptop/desktop or your phone to record, edit and store the episodes.
If you want to add a few extra pieces of equipment to enhance your sound quality, you can either use a high-quality microphone or noise-canceling headphones. Most professional podcasters usually use both.
If you want to produce a video podcast, then a recording camera is a good investment. Most first-timers start by using their phones as recording devices. Additionally, using good editing software for both audio and video podcasts will help you to craft a superior listening experience for your audience.
Can you record a podcast from your phone?
Definitely! You can start podcasting with a smartphone using podcast-producing platforms such as Listnr, wherein you can record, edit and store your content. You can also send invites to your guests and track your audience engagement insights. Such apps are a one-stop destination for all your podcasting needs.
Pro tip: To get the best sound quality, we suggest using an external microphone. Using a decent and affordable external microphone will do wonders for your podcast.
How to name a podcast to attract listeners?
Wondering what lies in a name? You may want to look at the statistics below.
Image: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/promotion/podcast-discoverability/
Most listeners select podcasts based on their names and descriptions. Doing a random search on the app to scout new content is also popular among first-time listeners. Therefore, having a clever name is half the battle won.
To start with, think of all the reasons that make your content valuable for the listeners – is it the content? Is it the guests? Or is it captivating stories like true-crime fiction?
Once you understand the biggest highlight of your podcast, start brainstorming on ways to formulate that into a podcast name. If you are still having a hard time deciding, then pick a descriptive name with clever words. This will help the listeners to find your podcast easily. Avoid making the name too long or wordy.
While including your name is discouraged by most podcast experts, don’t hesitate to include it if you have a decent social media audience or if you are already a distinguished expert in your field.
How long should a podcast episode be?
The length of your podcast should solely depend on the content. The quality of the content is more important for listeners than its length. Don't stick by the rules when it comes to deciding the duration of your podcast.
On average, the shortest podcasts are up to 15 minutes, and the longest podcasts go up to 90 minutes per episode.
You might come across a lot of internet wisdom on the length of your podcast and how it should match your audience’s consumption patterns. As a beginner staying true to your content should take precedence over any other internet advice.
If you are confused about how to decide on the length, most podcast experts suggest going for a sweet spot, i.e., 20 – 30 minutes per episode. Experiment with different lengths and formats, record a short solo episode, and maybe go for a delightful hour-long episode. See what works and resonates with your audience. The best way to understand your listeners is to give them options and let them pick and choose.
What are the different formats of the podcast, and how do I decide the format of my podcasts?
There are about five different types of podcast formats to choose from.
- Solo Podcast
- Co-hosted Podcast
- Interviews
- Fiction
- Video format podcast
A solo podcast is great for those who have a deep understanding of their subject matter. This format also works for a newbie. It is most preferred by entrepreneurs and educational podcasters.
Co-hosted podcasts are a popular choice for conversations that flow with two people bouncing ideas off to each other. If a second perspective adds some spark to your content, then this format could be a great choice for you.
Podcasters choose interview format for two main reasons – to bring expertise from different sources and to build an impressive guest line-up. On the other hand, fiction podcasts consist of storytellers and audio shows and are some of the longest podcasts on the internet.
Image: https://www.pexels.com/search/podcast%20recording/
Video format podcasts are just gaining momentum, and they are also a little difficult to produce. In addition to audio recording equipment, you will also need video recording devices, aesthetic background setup, and video editing skills. Podcasters produce audio-visual podcasts to build a competitive edge and to leverage the video platforms such as YouTube.
The best way to know if podcasting is the right format for your content is to get started and experiment your way through it.
References:
https://theultimatecreative.com/how-to-choose-a-podcast-format/
https://www.thepodcasthost.com/promotion/podcast-discoverability/
https://www.podcastinsights.com/start-a-podcast/
https://www.thepodcasthost.com/planning/how-to-start-a-podcast/
About Ananay Batra
Founder and CEO @ Listnr Inc